Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

"I have worked in psychiatry as well as in private practice with suicidal people. I found it poignant and true when Reeves points out that people do not have to be mad to be suicidal and ′...that assessing suicide potential fundamentally lies in engaging with the suicidal client at a deeper relational level′. So true. This thoroughly researched book is written with passion and compassion. It will be a valuable addition to the libraries of therapists and anyone else who works with suicidal people." -

Therapy Today, July 2010

"A uniquely accessible, comprehensive and practical guide. Essential reading for counsellors and psychotherapists and all helping professionals who work with clients at risk of suicide." -

Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling, University of Strathclyde

"A ′must read′ for counsellors of all experience levels, offering sound practical strategies alongside thought-provoking case studies and discussion points. Reeves addresses this difficult topic with depth, breadth and integrity. Excellent." -

Denise Meyer, developer and lead author of www.studentdepression.org

"Andrew Reeves brings together his experience as a social worker, counsellor and academic to explore the essential elements in working with suicidal clients. His openness and integrity in writing about this complex topic creates a valuable resource for reflective practice." -

Barbara Mitchels, Solicitor and Director of Watershed Counselling Service, Devon.

Counselling Suicidal Clients addresses the important professional considerations when working with clients who are suicidal. The ′bigger picture′, including legal and ethical considerations and organisational policy and procedures is explored, as is to how practitioners can work with the dynamics of suicide potential in the therapeutic process.

The book is divided into six main parts:

- The changing context of suicide

- The prediction-prevention model, policy and ethics

- The influence of the organisation

- The client process

- The practitioner process

- The practice of counselling with suicidal clients.

The book also includes chapters on the discourse of suicide, suicide and self-injury, and self-care for the counsellor. It is written for counsellors and psychotherapists, and for any professional who uses counselling skills when supporting suicidal people.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Part 1 Contextual Aspects of Working aith Suicide Risk
• Suicide and Counselling: An Introduction
• Historical Perspectives on Suicide and the Emergence of the Medical Model
• Suicide Trends and Statistics
• Part 2 The Prediction-Prevention Model, Policy and Ethics
• Suicide Risk Factors and Assessment
• The Influence of Policy and the Prediction-Prevention Culture
• The Ethical Imperative of Suicide
• Confidentiality, Capacity and Consent
• Part 3 Organisations
• Counselling Suicidal Clients in Organizational Settings
• Developing Procedures and Guidance
• Part 4 The Client Process
• Understanding Suicide
• The Use of Language in Counselling Suicidal Clients
• From Self-Murder to Self-Support
• Suicide and Self-Injury: Annihilation and Survival
• Part 5 The Counsellor Process
• The Counsellor and Suicide Risk: Personal Perspectives and Professional Actions
• Potential Dangers and Difficulties
• Part 6 Key Aspects of Counselling with Suicidal Clients
• Tightropes and Safety Nets: Supporting Practice
• Good Practice for Self-Support
• Training Implications for Counselling
• Part 7 Conclusions
• Concluding Thoughts